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Understanding the UK Immigration Salary List (2025 Update)

21 March 2025
Understanding the UK Immigration Salary List (2025 Update)

The UK Immigration Salary List (ISL) remains a key part of the Skilled Worker visa system, setting the minimum salary requirements for eligible roles. It replaced the Shortage Occupation List in April 2024, aligning with the UK government’s approach to workforce planning and immigration control.

What is the UK Immigration Salary List?

The Immigration Salary List outlines roles where UK-based employers can hire overseas workers at a reduced salary threshold compared to the standard Skilled Worker visa requirements. This ensures that sectors facing recruitment challenges can access the international talent they need while maintaining salary standards that protect the domestic workforce.

How Does the Immigration Salary List Work?

  • Salary Discount: Occupations on the list benefit from a 20% reduction on the general salary threshold. However, salaries must not fall below the occupation-specific threshold.
  • Targeted Sectors: The list primarily includes industries struggling to fill roles locally, such as healthcare, engineering, and IT.
  • Employer Sponsorship: Employers must still obtain a Sponsor Licence to hire skilled workers under this route.

Salary Thresholds for Skilled Worker Visas in 2025

From April 2025, the minimum salary threshold for Skilled Workers on discounted rates will increase from £23,200 per year (£11.90 per hour) to £25,000 per year (£12.82 per hour). This includes health and care workers, those extending visas under the New Entrant rules, STEM PhD holders, and those on the Immigrant Salary List.

Benefits for Employers and Employees

  • Employers – Gain access to a larger pool of skilled international professionals at a reduced salary threshold.
  • Employees – Increased job opportunities in key industries with flexible salary requirements.

UK Immigration Salary List 2025

Occupation SOC Code General Salary Threshold Discounted Salary Threshold
Healthcare Assistants 6145 £23,200 £18,560
Nurses 2231 £32,500 £26,000
Paramedics 3213 £30,000 £24,000
Secondary School Teachers (Maths, Physics, Computer Science) 2314 £34,000 £27,200
Civil Engineers 2121 £37,000 £29,600
IT Business Analysts 2135 £42,000 £33,600
Social Workers 2442 £35,000 £28,000
Care Workers 6146 £23,000 £18,400

Does Your Business Need to Hire Skilled Overseas Workers?

If you are looking to recruit international talent under the Skilled Worker visa but are unsure about salary requirements or sponsorship obligations, our expert immigration lawyers at Davenport Solicitors can guide you through the process.

Stay informed and compliant with the latest UK immigration rules. Get in touch today!

Disclaimer
The material contained on this website contains general information only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. While every care has been taken in the preparation of the information on this site, readers are advised to seek specific advice in relation to any decision or course of action.

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